COVID-19 in the Philippines
These past few days, the streets had taken its break on the rumbling cars, bussed and jeepneys as the nation's capital, the Metro Manila, has been put into an enhanced community quarantine as of March 17, 2020, as the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 is at large and keeps on infecting the vast populace of the metro. We heard the first 'lockdown' news last March 12, we were in the office at that time. We had no idea what was going to happen, then it happened. An emergency meeting has been called by the management to announce that our company had received the news regarding the Manila lockdown and we were told to go home to avoid the hassle. It all just suddenly became so real, it was so fast.
I went home right after the announcement has been made by the group general manager, together with some of my colleagues who happen to be residing outside Metro Manila. During that time, there was a sudden increase in police visibility around the BGC area. The authorities were dressed in fatigue uniforms and are seen stationed in some of the major intersections of the business center, I knew that time that there is something wrong and I'm just waiting for it to be announced.
Later that night, the president addressed the nation regarding the community quarantine or 'lockdown' situation that will be imposed on Metro Manila to control, delay and contain the contagion that has becoming more uncontrollable as the days gone by. It was my first time to experience such an event, a lockdown due to a global pandemic which caused paralysis to the whole of the nation's usual business and undertakings, it was saddening.
I decided to go leave the dormitory and stay at my home instead for the next days will surely be unlikely to be favorable for the people as the virus keeps on spreading quickly. Groceries and supermarkets are almost depleted due to the panic buying rush, some of them are hoarding too! Disinfectant and hand sanitizers jumped almost 200% up from their regular prices, you know, bad people. Good thing, DTI had ordered a price freeze applying to the basic needs and those for the sanitation use.
The Local Government Units (LGU) ordered their steps per city in order to contain and delay the said contagion too. This lockdown has taken its toll on the marginalized citizens, on the poor people whos work has been suspended for this reason, who cannot enter the capital without and ID or any proof that they are employed inside the NCR. Only the health workers, media, delivery personnel, and other jobs that are essential for survival are allowed to enter as the enhanced community quarantine is being imposed strictly.
During these trying times, all I pray and hope is for the people in the sciences to prevail against this highly contagious and deadly disease. Faith in God keeps our people in their feet together, which is very evident nowadays. As the mass public gatherings have been suspended, so as the celebration of the Holy Mass and as a response, the Church conducted an online Mass in as the government ordered that the social distancing must be strictly observed.
I admire our front liners in this war with an invisible enemy, the medical personnel who is doing their very best to combat this dreadful contagion. The people of the Philippines are counting on you and I believe that this too shall pass.
As the days went by, developments regarding the search for the vaccine is looking favorable. With all the talented and science geniuses working as one to eradicate this disease, I know that a tested and working vaccine will be available soon.
I went home right after the announcement has been made by the group general manager, together with some of my colleagues who happen to be residing outside Metro Manila. During that time, there was a sudden increase in police visibility around the BGC area. The authorities were dressed in fatigue uniforms and are seen stationed in some of the major intersections of the business center, I knew that time that there is something wrong and I'm just waiting for it to be announced.
Later that night, the president addressed the nation regarding the community quarantine or 'lockdown' situation that will be imposed on Metro Manila to control, delay and contain the contagion that has becoming more uncontrollable as the days gone by. It was my first time to experience such an event, a lockdown due to a global pandemic which caused paralysis to the whole of the nation's usual business and undertakings, it was saddening.
I decided to go leave the dormitory and stay at my home instead for the next days will surely be unlikely to be favorable for the people as the virus keeps on spreading quickly. Groceries and supermarkets are almost depleted due to the panic buying rush, some of them are hoarding too! Disinfectant and hand sanitizers jumped almost 200% up from their regular prices, you know, bad people. Good thing, DTI had ordered a price freeze applying to the basic needs and those for the sanitation use.
The Local Government Units (LGU) ordered their steps per city in order to contain and delay the said contagion too. This lockdown has taken its toll on the marginalized citizens, on the poor people whos work has been suspended for this reason, who cannot enter the capital without and ID or any proof that they are employed inside the NCR. Only the health workers, media, delivery personnel, and other jobs that are essential for survival are allowed to enter as the enhanced community quarantine is being imposed strictly.
During these trying times, all I pray and hope is for the people in the sciences to prevail against this highly contagious and deadly disease. Faith in God keeps our people in their feet together, which is very evident nowadays. As the mass public gatherings have been suspended, so as the celebration of the Holy Mass and as a response, the Church conducted an online Mass in as the government ordered that the social distancing must be strictly observed.
I admire our front liners in this war with an invisible enemy, the medical personnel who is doing their very best to combat this dreadful contagion. The people of the Philippines are counting on you and I believe that this too shall pass.
As the days went by, developments regarding the search for the vaccine is looking favorable. With all the talented and science geniuses working as one to eradicate this disease, I know that a tested and working vaccine will be available soon.
Comments
Post a Comment